Argentine remains on course for 'Sunshine Double' after claiming Indian Wells title last Sunday
Sunday 25 March 2018 22:44, UK
Juan Martin del Potro eased into the last 16 of the Miami Open with a 6-2 6-2 demolition of Kei Nishikori and was joined in the fourth round by Marin Cilic.
Del Potro claimed a first Masters Series title with victory over Roger Federer in the Californian desert last week and after a surviving a scare in the second round on Friday, he had little trouble in seeing of Nishikori to record his 13th consecutive win of a memorable start to 2018.
The Japanese is seeded 26th after a string of injury problems, a path Del Potro has trod himself, and he will look to the Argentine for inspiration following a 72-minute demolition on the Stadium Court.
Fearsome serving and typically booming forehand winners left Nishikori chasing shadows across the court and Del Potro advances to a fourth round date with Filip Krajinovic.
The 22nd seed was too strong for Novak Djokovic's conqueror Benoit Paire - Krajnovic needed just an hour and 10mins to record a 6-3 6-3 success.
After Federer's shock exit to qualifier Thanasi Kokkinakis on Saturday, second seed Cilic is the highest remaining seed left in the competition and he remained on course for a big-hitting semi-final showdown with fellow former US Open champion Del Potro.
Cilic was tested by Canada's Vasek Pospisil, who saved three match points, before sealing a 7-5 7-6 victory that takes him into the fourth round in Miami for just the third time in his career.
Last year's NextGen champion Hyeon Chung was the first man to book his place in the last 16 after a dominant 6-1 6-1 victory over America's Michael Mmoh.
Chung, who reached a first Masters level quarter-final in Indian Wells last week as well as the Australian Open semi-final earlier this year, needed just 62 minutes to book a fourth-round meeting with Joao Sousa.
The Portuguese ended the hopes of another home hope with a 1-6, 6-4 6-4 victory over Jared Donaldson.
You can watch more ATP Masters 1000 action from the Miami Open when the top half of the draw takes centre stage - we continue our coverage on Monday from 4pm on Sky Sports Arena and from 4.30pm on Sky Sports Main Event.
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